A resource for teachers and parents with a focus on the Suzuki Method. ''To teach is to learn twice." (Joseph Joubert, French moralist).

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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Posture Tip: Chest Expansion

slouched, constricted chest

Many students (and every day folk) have posture problems.
Many of us have lost the war with gravity, and are sagging by the hour. Because
our bodies are hunching little by little, our self confidence shrinks as well. To show you what I mean, here is a photo of one student who
graciously agreed to pose with less than ideal standing posture.

Our focus this month is on posture. Here is a quick practice tip concerning standing posture and in particular the chest area, which will also affect the back and shoulders in a positive way. I asked my student to expand his chest area. I actually suggested that he widen his chest so that it was wider than his back. I could have also
suggested that he lower his shoulder blades down in the back as
well, but that may be a tip and suggestion for another day. Today I suggested
only that my student widen the chest area. Here is the result.

expanded chest

When I showed the picture to my student, he was amazed at the transformation. When I asked him to indicate which picture exhibited a performer with the most confidence, my student handily picked the
expanded chest photo.

Not only do appearances indicate that a person feels confident. People who stand with an outside look of confidence also claim to
feel that level of confidence on the inside as well.

As we focus on posture issues this month, consider how you
elect to hold yourself. Are you winning the gravity war?

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter! You will receive notice when there is new content on the blog. I also welcome your comments below about your favorite way to ensure that your posture is erect. How do your students respond?

I have been sagging a little bit myself lately. I keep reminding myself how important it is to get a good night's rest so that I have the desire and strength to stand up straight the next day. Thanks for commenting!-- Paula

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I am a member of the Artisan Quartet, Texas State University faculty, the Austin Symphony, and owner of the Wildflower Suzuki Studio. I live in Central Texas.
To contact me, email me at: paulabirdviolin@gmail.com.